How to model the hilt of a sword?
Your problem is the curved, tapered and twisted hand protection part? This may be modeled using Bezier or NURBS curves. One curve defines the general curvy outline of the hand protector, a second the cross section (which looks a bit flower-like). This shape can be beveled along the first curve. Moreover it can be tapered and also drilled (tilted) to get the desired shape. Please look it up in tutorials on curve modelling; there are also some basics in the Blender manual (Curves, Beveling, Tapering, Tilt). - Greetings from Suthern Germany, Tschöbbel